Method and system to improve traffic flow

a technology of traffic flow and methods, applied in the field of methods and systems to improve traffic flow, can solve the problems of tailgating, or following a vehicle too closely, affecting the flow of traffic, and affecting the identification of drivers, so as to facilitate the review of the identity

Inactive Publication Date: 2008-03-13
MARTON KEITH J
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Tailgating, or following a vehicle too closely, is a serious problem on the world's roadways.
When the distance between a lead vehicle and a following vehicle is short, the likelihood of a collision increases because the time available for the driver of the following vehicle to react to the stopping or slowing of the lead vehicle also is short.
In addition to being dangerous, tailgating also disrupts traffic flow.
This chain reaction can lead to traffic congestion, excessive travel times, decreased fuel economy, and added air pollution.

Method used

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  • Method and system to improve traffic flow
  • Method and system to improve traffic flow
  • Method and system to improve traffic flow

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0018]The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0019]FIG. 1 is an illustration of a tailgating detector and a recorder in communication with the tailgating detector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Roadway 5 includes lead vehicle 7 and following vehicle 9 traveling thereupon. Radiant beam sensors 11a, 11b are positioned at the side of the roadway. Alternately, radiant beam sensors 11a, 11b may be placed above the roadway or in any other position from where they may detect tailgating viol...

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Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide for a system to detect and cite tailgating violations. The system may comprise a tailgating detector adapted to detect a tailgating vehicle, a recorder adapted to record identification information specific to the tailgating vehicle, an identification computer in communication a vehicle and registrant identification information database, a citation preparation computer adapted to prepare a tailgating citation, and a communication means for communicating the tailgating citation to the tailgating violator. The system may further include a payment computer adapted to determine whether proper payment has been received for the tailgating citation, a scheduling computer in communication with a court schedule database, a summons preparation computer adapted to prepare a summons, and a communication means for communicating the summons to the tailgating violator. Embodiments of the present invention also provide for a method to detect and cite tailgating violations.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates generally to methods and systems to improving traffic flow and, more specifically, to methods and systems to detect and cite tailgating violations.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Tailgating, or following a vehicle too closely, is a serious problem on the world's roadways. Tailgating is a function of following distance and speed. When the distance between a lead vehicle and a following vehicle is short, the likelihood of a collision increases because the time available for the driver of the following vehicle to react to the stopping or slowing of the lead vehicle also is short. The likelihood of a collision also increases at high speeds because the vehicles cover more distance per unit time and therefore more distance is necessary for the driver of the following vehicle to react. In addition to being dangerous, tailgating also disrupts traffic flow. A chain reaction can result in respo...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): G08G1/054
CPCG08G1/0175
Inventor MARTON, KEITH J.
Owner MARTON KEITH J
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